Russell Simmons Gears Up for Annual Hamptons Event

Uncle Russ is gearing up for his 11th Annual Art For Life East Hampton benefit gala. The annual event takes place Saturday, July 24th @ Simmons’ East Hampton Estate. The event will honor Richie Akiva, philanthropists Allison and Chip Brady, renowned author and lecturer Deepak Chopra and record producer Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean (although we hear he’s tying the knot around the same time).

This year’s Event Chairs include Mark Birnbaum of EMM Group Inc., Jamison Ernest of Yellow Fever, Robin Thicke and Paula Patton. The evening with be hosted by actor Anthony Anderson. Bonhams CEO Malcolm Barber will serve as the evening’s Auctioneer with music by DJ M.O.S.

Art For Life is one of the most anticipated events of the Hamptons Summer season and sells out annually. Last year’s event raised just over $1.3 million. Proceeds from the annual gala benefit the Foundation’s own visual arts education and gallery programs.

Interested in attending? Tables are $15k (that’s like $15 less than Miami’s tables during Zo’s Summer Groove) Ticket info here. I’ll post pics after the event.